The United States transferred antipersonnel mines to Ukraine with restriction of use exclusively on its territory
The USA included anti-personnel mines in the new package of military aid to Ukraine. Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh during a Nov. 22 briefing emphasized, that Kyiv undertook to use these mines exclusively on its territory and outside populated areas in order to avoid the threat to the civilian population.
Singh explained that this decision was made due to a change in the tactics of the Russian troops, who now attack more often with infantry rather than mechanized forces. This weaponry, in her opinion, will become an effective tool for deterring the aggressor.
“Of course, Ukraine has promised that it will use these mines on its own territory. And I should add that they will not use them in populated areas“, the representative of the Pentagon emphasized.
After the end of the war, Ukraine will be required to demine its territory, including demining unexploded ordnance, including those used by Russian forces and those planted by the Defense Forces. The US plans to support Ukraine in these efforts, Singh added.
Earlier, The Washington Post reported that US President Joe Biden authorized the supply of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine. The Pentagon noted that this decision is aimed at slowing down the Russian offensive, in particular in the east of Ukraine. At the same time, the human rights organization Amnesty International criticized this step, calling it a “reckless decision” and a “step backwards”.
